Alas, the lakefront in Whitby experienced superb north winds, and a large number of observers arrived to count raptors in migration. Back to that in a moment. Several good "other birds" were noted over the 6-hour stay on the platform--incl. AMERICAN BITTERN, RAVEN, 3 GREAT EGRETS and a PIPIT. Thousands of Blue Jays were moving through.
It was great to see late September Broad-wingeds-- one of them came through low to take on a resident N.Harrier. Also a Sharp-shinned took several passes at our poled Owl. An earlier report may have fixed the raptor total at 602--indeed, it was 612--incl. 71 Turkey Vultures, 5 Bald Eagles (2 adult), 225 Sharp-shinned, 2 Osprey, 24 Cooper's, 95 BROAD-WINGED, 150 Kestrels and 5 Peregrines. If the winds persist perhaps there will be a continuum of migrants. HOPE TO SEE YOU. >From the west--exit 404 from the 401--south to Bayly, east through Lakeridge to the first street (Hall's Rd.), south to the second roadside parking area. >From the east, exit 410 (Brock St. in Whitby), south to Victoria, west over to Hall's Rd. Doug Lockrey, coordinator CMRW www.pickeringnaturalists.org
